Golf club alignment aid

ABSTRACT

A method and apparatus for applying an alignment or aiming tool to a golf club.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to and incorporates by referenceU.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61,494,961 filed on Jun. 9,2011.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to an apparatus and method for aligning a golfclub, and shaping a golf shot. In particular, the invention relates toan apparatus and method for progressively aligning a decal located onthe head of a golf club to aid in proper alignment of the golf club withthe target and shaping of the shot, and then attaching a permanentmarker to the club in the proper position.

2. Background of the Invention

One of, if not the single, most important fundamental of golf is properalignment or setup. Alignment is comprised of a number of factors,including, the position of the feet, head, hands, shoulders, clublength, ball position, as well as many other factors.

Understanding the initial setup position is critical to a successfulgolf shot. However, many, if not most, golfers are unaware that they arenot properly aligned.

Proper alignment contributes to a wide variety of mechanical issues in agolf swing. Among the most important is aim. The initial setup oralignment will in most regards determine where the golf ball ultimatelygoes. It is imperative that a golfer understand alignment and its impacton the ultimate flight of the ball to have the ball actually go wherethe golfer desires.

The misunderstanding of alignment is pervasive. Even very experienced,seasoned, successful golfers are surprised to find out that the golfclub is not actually aimed at the golfer's intended target. Evenprofessional golfers will insist they are lined up at the target only tobe proven wrong.

As a result, golfers are unwittingly forced to make numerous adjustmentsand compromises in swing mechanics to correct for improper alignment.These adjustments then create further swing problems in a negativefeedback loop where the misalignment leads to poor aim which causesfurther swing adjustments, which then in turn cause furthermisalignment, and so on. Generally this process is nearly unconscious,with the golfer substantially or totally unaware that over time thegolfer's swing mechanics have been sabotaged by improper aim andalignment.

Many subtle factors and biases are at work in this process. Inparticular, it is known that the problem of aiming in golf also relatesto how the eyes view the intended target line. The eyes' view is from aplace in between the club head and the body line, which creates anoptical illusion. With binocular vision when looking front on, both eyesfocus in on what is called the triangulation focal point. Forright-handed golfers at address, the right eye is further away from thetarget than the left eye. When the golfer turns, their head turns toview the target, a bias is introduced that frequently causesright-handers to aim their shoulders too far to the right. This is avisual mistake where the shoulders line up with the sighting eye.

Also, because the eyeballs are round, straight lines appear curvedelliptically to the right and the more right eye dominant the more thelines curve.

Furthermore, people interpret shapes differently because their eyestriangulate differently. Different golf club shapes, golf club headdesign, and shaft placements produce optical geometries that createdifferent subconscious aim responses. Some tend to aim more to the rightand some more to the left. If a shape produces a perception of the golfclub face to be closed or aimed left, then the player will open or aimmore to the right to create the appearance of the golf club beingsquare.

The golf club head shape and where the shaft attaches to the golf clubhead will affect how a player perceives the golf club as square oraimed. The more circular the trailing edge of the golf club, the morelikely it will cause the golfer to aim to the right. Golf clubs with asquare or flat trailing edge are more likely to cause a player to aimmore to the left. A golf shaft that is offset from the golf club headwill cause a player to aim more to the left. A golf shaft that is inline with the golf club head will cause a player to aim more to theright.

As a result it is very difficult, if not impossible, for a golfer toproperly aim a golf club. The problem is exacerbated with longer clubssuch as drivers. The problem is highly dependent on the individualgolfer, making uniform alignment aids ineffective.

While prior art alignment aids exist, they tend to exclusively rely onpermanent markers or aids. In this manner, the golf clubs come from themanufacturer, or are marked shortly thereafter, with an aid. These aidswill not accommodate all golfers for the reasons stated above, namely,that set up and perceptual biases vary greatly from person to person. Asa result, the aids will not produce the intended result and in fact canfurther cement in the golfer's mind the false belief that they areproperly aligned when this is not the case.

A seemingly unrelated matter is the shape of the golf shot. A number ofparameters are used to measure or quantify the shape of the shot. Theseinclude trajectory, spin rate, launch angle, spin axis, swing plane,swing path, vertical/horizontal swing speed, face angle, angle ofattack, smash factor, speed, acceleration of golf shaft, verticaldescent, and others. These parameters can be described generally asrepresenting launch conditions (although some of these terms may nottechnically meet this definition), but the term is used herein to referto any parameter that affects the flight of the golf ball. In any event,these parameters affect the shape of the resultant shot and variation ofthese parameters is very difficult to control precisely and consciously,which makes it difficult to consciously control or vary the shape of agolf shot on demand.

Accordingly, a need exists for an improved method and apparatus forassisting golfers in proper alignment, aim, and shape of a golf shot.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide an improved apparatusand method for assisting golfers in proper alignment, aim, and shapingof a golf shot that substantially eliminates the problems of the priorart.

These and other objects of the present invention will become apparent tothose skilled in the art upon reference to the following specification,drawings, and claims. To that end, the present invention comprises atemporary and permanent alignment and shaping tool attached to thesurface of a golf club in a progressive manner that allows a golfer tobetter align and aim the club and shape a golf shot.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a prior art golf club head.

FIG. 2-14 are golf clubs with various decals of the present inventionattached thereto.

FIG. 15 is a results table for a skilled golfer using different tools ofthe present invention.

FIG. 16 is a visual depiction of the distribution of golf shots hit withdifferent tools of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a visual depiction of the individual and average flight pathof baseline golf shots.

FIG. 18 is a visual depiction of the individual and average flight pathof golf shots hit with one of the tools of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a visual depiction of the individual and average flight pathof golf shots hit with one of the tools of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a visual depiction of the individual and average flight pathof golf shots hit with one of the tools of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a visual depiction of the individual and average flight pathof golf shots hit with one of the tools of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a visual depiction of the individual and average flight pathof golf shots hit with one of the tools of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a visual depiction of the individual and average flight pathof golf shots hit with one of the tools of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a visual depiction of the individual and average flight pathof golf shots hit with one of the tools of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a visual depiction of the individual and average flight pathof golf shots hit with one of the tools of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

In the Figures is shown an apparatus and method for aligning and/oraiming a golf club. In particular, for illustrative purposes, FIG. 1shows a prior art golf club head of the type contemplated for use withthe present invention. The present invention comprises an alignmenttemplate and/or kit for use as an alignment and shaping tool.

The alignment template can be attached to the top of the golf club andthereby provide a tool in the correct aiming or squaring of the golfclub face to the intended target line. Through an understanding thatdifferent alignment templates with varying shapes and patterns affecteach player's ability to aim or square the golf club differently, theability to use a template that is temporarily attached to the top of thegolf club to identify which pattern tools in proper alignment for thatplayer is particular useful. Once the proper alignment template is foundand positioned, then a permanent template can be attached to the golfclub in the position identified as providing for proper alignment forthe particular golfer.

Alignment templates and the permanent alignment marker will allowgolfers to hit intended shot shapes through proper setup in a repeatablemanner that is individualized to the golfers' particular setup andperceptual biases.

FIG. 1 shows a golf club, in particular a driver merely for illustrativepurposes. FIGS. 2 and 3 show the golf club with a temporary alignmentand shaping tool attached. FIG. 4 shows the golf club with a permanentalignment and shaping tool attached to the golf club, which is attachedafter the alignment process described herein. FIGS. 4-14 show differentalignment tool and shaping tools attached to the head of a golf club.

The alignment and shaping tool can be used in a variety of manners.First, a temporary tool is affixed to the club head based on an educatedguess or arbitrary determination. Then the golfer, preferably but notexclusively, can begin using the club to determine if the tool isproperly placed. For example, a trial and error process can be used. Thegolfer can select a target, hit one or more golf shots, assess if theball traveled to the right or left of the target, realign the temporarytool and repeat the process until the golf shots are satisfactorilytargeted. At this point, the temporary tool is removed and a permanenttool is placed on the golf club in the position occupied by thetemporary tool to allow for proper repeatable aim and alignmentparticularized to individual golfers.

Another method of using the present invention involves the use of moresophisticated alignment procedures. For example, the alignment processcan utilize a laser. Lasers can be used to reflect off a mirrored golfclub. The golfer can then determine which alignment template createsdesired aim of the golf club. The tool can be affixed to the properposition based on the feedback obtained from the laser.

Still further, the method can proceed with the use of a launch monitor.An individual golfer can try alignment template positions by hittingshots tracked by radar to determine the aim that creates on target andconsistent shot dispersion pattern. Once that has been determined, thepermanent tool can be attached in that same position.

The temporary tools are of a type that can be temporarily attached toany surface, and can be static cling decals, adhesive decals, and thelike.

The permanent tool can be made from vinyl which is durable andwaterproof, making it a good choice for outdoor use, or other suitablematerial. The permanent tool can be printed with a coat of polyesterthat makes designs on the decal weather resistant, or other suitablematerial.

As shown in the Figures, the tool can be of a variety of differentshapes, sizes, and design, including, lines, circles, triangles,diamonds, rectangles, squares, dots, and multiple color designs andshapes can be used to assist with proper golf club alignment.

The present invention eliminates, or substantially eliminates, theproblems of the prior art. The invention provides a method and apparatusto individualize the alignment process by providing temporary andpermanent indicia of alignment affixed directly to the golf club. Sinceit is impossible to predict in advance how a particular golfer views thetarget line, a process that includes a temporary tool that can be usedto progressively align and aim the golf club and that is then replacedwith a permanent tool has the advantage of providing for proper aim andadjusting the individual's particular mechanics and biases.

In a surprising and seemingly unrelated manner the tool of the presentinvention is not only highly effective at controlling aim, andminimizing the dispersion of golf shot, it also has a dramatic affect onthe shape of the golf shot. This affect takes place automaticallywithout any instruction or conscious alteration of the golf shot by theplayer. This entirely eliminates the very difficult process ofconsciously working to adapt a golf swing to create specific desiredlaunch conditions.

Heretofore, changing such conditions required a great deal of skill,practice, time, and professional supervision/coaching to incorporateconscious swing changes into the essentially unconscious process ofswinging a golf club. The result of making these type of changes are notsatisfactory for even the world's best golfers. All golfers constantlystruggle to turn conscious swing modifications into anunconscious/automatic movement that creates the desired result.

FIG. 15 shows a summary of launch conditions for a highly skilled golferutilizing different tools attached the top of the head of the driver,using a state of the art launch monitoring system. Each row of the chartshows a result for a different shaped tool, and the columns summarizethe results for different swing parameters. The golfer was instructed toconsciously change nothing in the swing, but the shape of the golf shotvaried in a dramatic and repeatable manner. This resulted from nothingbut changing the tool on the head of the driver. This can be best seenin FIGS. 22 and 23, for example, where the average ball flight when froma fade to a draw without any conscious effort to change the swing.

FIG. 16 visually depicts the grouping of the shots by different tools,which demonstrates repeatability and the difference in location of theend results. However, the difference in the shape of the shot is seenbest in the following Figures.

FIG. 17 show the baseline results for this golfer. The driver head didnot include any tool. Each of the following FIGS. 18-25 shows swingdiagrams and parameters for different tools depicted in FIGS. 2-15. Thedata includes launch condition information as well as a graphicaldepiction of the shape of each individual shot as well as an averageshape.

These results have been repeated several times for golfers of varyingability levels and the results consistently show that the tool iscapable of not only improving aim but also in altering the shape of theshot as well, without any conscious effort to make any change. Golfersinsist that they are not doing anything different, and are not awarethat their swing has changed, but the results show that tools is causingthe player to alter their swing in a repeatable manner.

The process is individualized. Golfers can and do react differently to agiven tool. Not wishing to be bound by any particular theory ofoperation, the individual differences in shape of the golf shot and thedifferences in how individual golfers react to particular tools isbelieved to result from variability in how individuals processinformation visually. Every person perceives shapes and colors slightlydifferently, and as a result each person will experience uniquevariations in perception that will affect their swing without consciousawareness of the affect. Thus, a preferred method of determining theoptimal tool includes utilizing a variety of tools in an environmentwhere the results can be closely monitored. This can include using alaunch monitor, or similar devices. Then after reviewing the results thetools that best fits the needs of the individual golfer, and theposition of the tool on the golf club, can be determined. At this pointthe process is as described above, where the temporary maker is replacedwith a permanent marker.

The present invention has enormous advantages. It allows a golfer to notonly improve aim, but to achieve a desirable shape to the golf swingwithout the arduous process involved in consciously accomplishing thistask utilizing prior art techniques and devices. The golfer does nothingbut what they have always done, but can control and select the bestresults.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been described inreference to the Figures, the invention is not so limited. The inventioncan be adapted to use a permanent marking in or on the surface of thegolf club applied in some conventional manner instead of using a decalor sticker. Also, the method and apparatus of the present invention isnot necessarily limited to the sport of golf, but can be applied to anyactivity where aim and alignment are difficult and dependent onindividual needs, such as baseball, hockey, tennis, and the like.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. Although methods and materialssimilar to or equivalent to those described herein can be used in thepractice or testing of the present invention, suitable methods, andmaterials are described below. All publications, patent applications,patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated byreference in their entirety to the extent allowed by applicable law andregulations. In case of conflict, the present specification, includingdefinitions, will control.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms withoutdeparting from the spirit or essential attributes thereof, and it istherefore desired that the present embodiment be considered in allrespects as illustrative and not restrictive, reference being made tothe appended claims rather than to the foregoing description to indicatethe scope of the invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art that havethe disclosure before them will be able to make modifications andvariations therein without departing from the scope of the invention.For example, the present invention is not limited to the golf clubsshown in the Figures. The invention is applicable to any clubsincluding, drivers, fairway woods, irons, hybrids, and even putters. Itis anticipated that the invention is best suited for longer shaftedclubs, but is not necessarily so limited. Additionally, the decal and/orthe permanent marker can be weighted to alter the weight of the clubhead to provide for further refinement and/or tuning of the golf swing.

1. A configurable aiming and shot shaping tool comprising: a temporarydecal adapted for releasable attachment to a golf club; and a permanentdecal adapted for secure attachment to a golf club.
 2. The tool of claim1 wherein the decals include markings that can be used to align the golfclub relative to a target.
 3. The tool of claim 2 where the markings area line.
 4. The tool of claim 2 where the markings are a circle.
 5. Thetool of claim 2 where the markings include vertical and horizontallines.
 6. The tool of claim 2 where the markings include diagonal lines.7. A configurable set of aiming and shot shaping tools comprising: aplurality of temporary decals adapted for releasable attachment to agolf club; and a plurality of permanent decals adapted for secureattachment to a golf club.
 8. The tools of claim 7 wherein the decalsinclude markings that can be used to align the golf club relative to atarget.
 9. The tools of claim 8 wherein the markings vary from decal todecal.
 10. A method of aligning a gold club and shaping a golf shot,comprising: providing a temporary decal and permanent decal; providing agolf club with a head suitable for attachment of the decals; attachingthe temporary decal to the golf club head; evaluating the effect of thedecal on the golf club on aim and shape; and attaching the permanentdecal to the head of the golf club based on the evaluation.
 11. Themethod of claim 10 further providing a plurality of temporary andpermanent decals with different markings, and further comprising thestep of attaching each temporary decal to the golf club head, evaluatingthe effect of each temporary decal on the golf club on aim and shape,and attaching the permanent decal to the head of the golf club based onthe evaluation.
 12. The method of claim 10 wherein the step ofevaluating the shape of the golf shot is based on evaluating one or morelaunch conditions.
 13. The method of claim 10 wherein the step ofevaluating utilizes a launch monitor.
 14. A method of shaping a golfshot, comprising: providing a temporary decal and permanent decal;providing a golf club with a head suitable for attachment of the decals;attaching the temporary decal to the golf club head; evaluating theeffect of the decal on the golf club on shape; and attaching thepermanent decal to the head of the golf club based on the evaluation.